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Pierce County ferry fares to increase in 2016

Fares to ride the Pierce County Ferry will increase across all rider categories except for youth starting Jan. 1, 2016.

The increase was recommended as part of the 2015 Waterborne Transportation Study, and included in the 2016 Pierce County Budget.

“This increase is needed to help cover increased operational and maintenance expenses,” said Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works airport and ferry administrator.

Currently, ferry fares cover approximately 43 percent of system costs.

The fare for a vehicle 21 feet or less will increase from $17.80 to $18.35 during the non-peak season and from $22.30 to $23.85 during peak season, which runs May 1 to Sept. 30. The year-round Value Pass for vehicles 21 feet or less will increase from $71.20 to $73.40.

Walk-on fares are the same year-round. The cost for an adult to walk on the ferry will increase from $5.30 to $5.45. The five-trip Value Pass for walk-on passengers will cost $21.80, up from $21.20. The cost for youth to walk on the ferry will decrease from $3.40 to $3.25.

Unused tickets issued prior to Jan. 1, 2016 are valid through Feb. 15, 2016. Value passes purchased in 2015, for both vehicle and walk-on passengers, continue to be valid for 40 days from date of purchase until the expiration date indicated on each ticket. Refunds on unused 2015 tickets must be requested by Feb. 28, 2016. A refund form is available at www.piercecountywa.org/ferry.

The Pierce County ferry system provides service between the town of Steilacoom and Anderson and Ketron islands. Visit www.piercecountywa.org/ferry to see a full list of fare changes.